Staff and Volunteers

The STEP team is made up of 9 staff members, plus sessional workers, drivers, group volunteers and the Management Committee volunteers.

Staff

Johanna Bryant - Project Director

I began my life at STEP as a volunteer in 2000. I was only a volunteer for 4 months before I was offered a part time role as a Project Worker. Gradually I progressed through the ranks taking on the roles of Senior Project Worker, Operations Manager and finally Project Director back in September 2004!

As Project Director I am ultimately responsible for the management, development and delivery of the service we provide. I could not do this on my own, however, and I am very lucky to have a brilliant staff team who work incredibly hard to ensure we deliver a quality service to young people across Swindon. I spend most of my 25 hours a week keeping our existing funders happy with reports and updates, representing STEP and the voluntary youth sector at strategic meetings and looking at new and exciting funding opportunities to ensure not only a continuation of existing services but to ensure development and further growth of STEP.

Paul Dobson - Project Manager

I have been working at STEP for 13 enjoyable years - I am responsible for the day to day running of the organisation, management of the staff team, training and administration support.

It is also my job to make sure that we offer a wide range of activities that reflect the needs and interests of young people; along with co-ordination of resources, staffing and monitoring of our various programmes and finances.

Amy Law - Office Manager

My role at STEP is really varied - I am responsible for the work 'behind the scenes' in the office, which includes assessing referrals and inviting young people to groups, health and safety and maintaining and organising resources, insurance, transport and activities. I have a BSc degree in Social Sciences and am NOCN Level 3 qualified in Youth Work so have also written and run lots of different sessions for Evening Groups and other shorter-term projects.

Tracey Dobson - Project Co-ordinator

I joined STEP on a work placement while I was studying for a Foundation Degree in Youth Work and after completing my degree I was given the opportunity to stay on as a Project Worker. I spent two years working towards gaining Anti-Bullying status for STEP as well as training and setting up a peer mentoring scheme. I have written and delivered many Evening Group and Saturday sessions and now my role has progressed to Project-Coordinator where I over-see all aspects of the group work we provide, supporting with SDQ's and monitoring, as well as delivering NOCN youth work training to staff.

Hayley Jackson - Senior Project Worker

I joined the team as a Project Worker in June 2009 after completing my Foundation Degree in Youth Work. More recently I have taken on the role of Senior Project Worker where I offer support and guidance to Junior Members of Staff as well as working closely with the Project Coordinator. I write and deliver Therapeutic interventions, including pilot programmes, which meet the needs of the Young People who access our Service.

Ashleigh Mitchell - Project Worker

Lucy Howell - Project Worker

Jean Dowland - Project Driver

Peter Richardson - Project Driver

Group Volunteers

Without the valuable support of volunteers and peer mentors in group sessions, STEP would be unable to run. A big thank you to all of you, and to everyone who selflessly gives their time to STEP.

Teresa

Rob

Marie

George

Jan

Lyn

Kenny

Milly

Helen

Management Committee Members (Volunteers)

A group of volunteers, acting as Trustees on behalf of STEP, meet every 6 weeks to oversee the running of the Project.

Bob Barrett - Chair / Trustee

I was born and educated in Swindon and am very proud of my Swindon heritage. I am the first of four generations not to work for the Great Western Railways! My profession is an Operations Manager and after working for two international companies from New Zealand and America I now work for a local company. I am a Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town.

I am a keen motorcyclist and have owned various bikes since I was 17 years old. I have travelled extensively on the bike, having attended many European Moto GP, Superbike and 24 Hour Endurance events.

I believe that the work STEP of in our community is vital for the young people of Swindon. STEP gives support and guidance to those less fortunate children and young people with a lack of social skills, low esteem and those who suffer from poverty and isolation. I believe we have a duty to them by offering the best possible start in life, and STEP achieves this often without the recognition it deserves.

I am incredibly proud to be a Trustee of STEP and hope I can use my skills to benefit young people of Swindon who have not been as fortunate as I have been in life.

Sylvia Snelson - Treasurer / Trustee

I have lived and worked in Swindon for over 30 years and for 15 years worked with young people as a foster carer. Some of the young people I looked after attended STEP so I was already aware of all the good work they do. I volunteered to join in 2000 when the Project was in danger of closing. I felt I could give my time and support to such a worthwhile project so I became a Trustee, and then Treasurer in 2001, and have been involved ever since.

Caroline Symmons - Trustee

I have lived and worked in the Swindon area for over 20 years and have volunteered as a trustee of STEP for three years now. I always look foward to being involved with the great work that STEP undertakes with the young people in Swindon.